Drive-By Truckers - The Dirty South - New West Records

If you thought Southern rock faded away when Lynyrd Skynyrd and Charlie Daniels’ radio popularity waned, then the Truckers embody the spirit of hard, road-driven rock and roll. With four of the Truckers hailing from North Alabama and with musical roots tied to the classic Muscle Shoals recording studio, it was the Truckers’ now classic 2001 Southern Rock Opera about Lynyrd Skynyrd that brought them critical acclaim and a record contract.

While Rock Opera was based on the life and times of Lynyrd Skynyrd, it was mostly about coming of age in the South. Complete with a three guitar attack (like Skynyrd) it also has the power of Neil Young’s most blistering moments with Crazy Horse.

Formed by Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley in the mid-90’s, Hood’s father David played bass on many songs recorded at Muscle Shoals including the Staple Singers’ classic “I’ll Take You There.” But musical lineage aside, Hood and Cooley, along with dummer Brad Morgan, guitarist Jason Isbel, and new bassist Shonna Tucker are carving out their own unique Southern sound and take on the culture.

Critical acclaim for The Dirty South has returned this year for the Truckers. Amazon.com, Rolling Stone, and The Philadelphia Inquirer named it one of the best albums of the year and for good reason. On their 6th album, The Dirty South is the failing economy, the struggling families and the stories of normal folks trying to make their jobs and relationships work. There are songs about sherriffs and race car drivers, winners and losers. And wth characters akin to those in Bruce Springsteen albums like The River and Darkness On The Edge of Town, story-songs you’ll find in some of the best work by Skynyrd and the ragged glory of Crazy Horse, The Dirty South kicks up a storm of powerful rock and roll.

Highlights include a tribute to Band members Rick Danko and Richard Manuel called "Danko/Manuel," the infectious "Never Gonna Change," the start realities of World War II on the songs "The Sands of Iwo Jima," "Carl Perkins' Cadillac," and the powerful "Daddy's Cup."